Shaun the Sheep & Public Picks: UK's New Storm Names Unveiled!

Meteorologists from the UK's Met Office, in collaboration with Ireland's Met Éireann and the Dutch national weather forecasting service KNMI, have officially released the list of storm names for the upcoming 2026-27 season.

This exciting announcement follows an overwhelming response from the public, who submitted more than 40,000 suggestions for potential monikers.

Among the most talked-about inclusions is none other than Shaun the Sheep, the beloved animated character from Aardman Animations, whose name made the cut after a public vote. The inspiration behind this year's list is remarkably diverse, ranging from a five-year-old weather enthusiast's heartfelt suggestion to tributes to meteorological pioneers.

The first three names on the list, set to be used as soon as the meteorological autumn begins in early September, are Austen, Boelo, and Chloe. The name Chloe, in particular, was put forward over 120 times, including by the mother of a young weather-obsessed child who, ironically, can "create a storm by herself." The practice of naming storms, which began in 2015, serves a crucial purpose: to help people take notice, prepare, and stay safe when severe weather threatens.

By assigning memorable names, weather agencies aim to increase public engagement and ensure vital safety messages are heard. The storm season typically runs from early September through the following August, coinciding with the period when the likelihood of low-pressure systems and severe storms increases significantly.

Looking back at the previous year, four names from the official list were used, reaching Storm Dave on April 1st.

Additionally, the UK experienced three more storms, Benjamin, Claudia, and Goretti, which were named by other European meteorological services, highlighting the interconnected nature of weather patterns across the continent. The inclusion of popular culture figures like Shaun the Sheep is a clever way to make meteorology more accessible and engaging for everyone. #StormNames #UKWeather #ShaunTheSheep